Word Origin & History

early 15c., "intellectual, talented," from Middle French ingénieux "clever, ingenious" (Old French engeignos), from Latin ingeniosus "of good capacity, full of intellect; clever, gifted with genius," from ingenium "innate qualities, ability," literally "that which is inborn," from in- "in" (see in- (2)) + gignere, from PIE *gen- "produce" (see genus). Sense of "skillful, clever at contrivance" first recorded 1540s. In a sense of "crafty, clever, skillful" Middle English had enginous (mid-14c.), from Old French engeignos. Related: Ingeniously; ingeniousness.

Example Sentences foringeniously

Who forged the lie could fabricate this too:— But hold, it is ingeniously done.

The plan, so ingeniously contrived, pleased the fancy of the boys.

On the other hand, it may be noted that the charge was ingeniously devised.

This latter nest was most charmingly and ingeniously placed.

All this was ingeniously provided for by numerous devices and covered by the patent.

The cutting of these holes or sockets was ingeniously managed.

"The Heathen Raged" is a most ingeniously complicated chorus also.

The blow-pipe which these Indians use is an ingeniously contrived weapon.

The text, from Jacob's blessing, was ingeniously expurgated to meet the case.

Before it was up, the cradle was ready, ingeniously strapped on Baba's back.